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On the Chesapeake there is an automated radio check on channel 27 sponsored by Sea Tow Annapolis... yet you still here numerous calls on 16? Do mariners not know 16 is inappropriate for this, CH 9 yes.
Do other areas have a similar automated service?
:captain:
Seatow in Black Rock harbor CT runs an automated radio check. I can never remember if it's on channel 24 or 27. I can reach it with my fixed mount radio from my mooring (about 20nm away) but not with my hand held. If I want to do a radio check on the HH I need to use ch 9. I do hear lots of radio check calls in 16.
Automated is ch24 here. At least 5 radio checks are hailed per hour on ch 16. The vast majority are replied and then directed to ch24 next time. It's very annoying.
I check in on ch24 just before casting off each time. I have identified issues with the remote in the cockpit that way.
SeaTow is the only company I know that offers this, but they do so in just about every area their service operates, so most towns with a lot of boating/sailing. If you look on their website you can see, if it's offered in your area, which channel they offer it on. It's great, not only shows you your radio transmission works, but it immediately plays back a recording of your transmission so you can get an idea of how clearly you come through.
Sailing up the coast from Florida I often heard what almost sounded like an automated reply whenever someone tried to do a radio check on 16. It directed them to the SeaTow channel for future radio checks.
As a retired submarine radioman, you can only imagine how the complete and utter lack of radio discipline on VHF 16 grates on my nerves.
It's absolute chaos and I cringe to think of the day where I might have to jam a distress call through all the inane chatter that simply doesn't belong on that channel.
As far as I know, Radio Checks on the Canadian Side of the great lakes are still initiated on channel 16, then the CG directs you to an appropriate channel of their choice. I don't think Channel 9 is monitored by the CCG. In Canada Channel 9 is just another working channel. So I guess it might depend where you are.
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